Module 2: Causes of the Korean War

Causes of the Korean War

The Korean War's causes can be traced back to the geopolitical tensions of the post-World War II era, particularly influenced by the broader dynamics of the Cold War. Following Japan's defeat in 1945, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel, with the North coming under Soviet control and the South under American control. This division was not merely a military arrangement; it marked the onset of contrasting ideologies taking root in both regions. In the South, Syngman Rhee's government promoted a staunchly authoritarian capitalist dictatorship, which was met with resistance from various factions, including those advocating for a more leftist approach. Notably, the violent suppression of dissent, such as the Jeju Island Massacre in 1948, showcased the deep political divisions and increasing instability in the South.

As tensions mounted, the ideological rivalry between communism and capitalism intensified. In 1948, the establishment of two separate governments—Kim Il Sung's communist governmentin the North and Syngman Rhee's capitalist government in the South—solidified this divide. The absence of national elections that included all of Korea fostered resentment and distrust. Kim Il Sung and his North Korean government were favored to win any national vote, so the Rhee government refused to participate in any nation-wide elections.  Kim Il Sung, realizing that a political solution was off the table, determined to reunite the country militarily.

The situation deteriorated rapidly as both sides engaged in provocations and military posturing. Kim Il Sung, encouraged by perceived weaknesses in the South and the global context of the Cold War, decided to launch a full-scale invasion of South Korea in June 1950. The United States saw this as a threat to the capitalist world, prompting an immediate military response. The Korean War was thus set in motion, driven by the complex interplay of local power struggles, ideological commitments, and the overarching influence of the Cold War powers. The resulting conflict would not only shape the Korean Peninsula but also alter the dynamics of international relations in the years to come.